Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe extension of the symptoms that occur during premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The physical symptoms of PMDD, such as breast tenderness, fatigue, and bloating, are similar to PMS, but the emotional conditions can be debilitating. They can interfere with a woman's life at work, school, or home, keeping her from the doing the things she loves, or even interacting with friends and family.

Symptoms of PMDD

Some common symptoms of PMDD include:

Sadness

Hopelessness

Depression

Extreme anxiety

Anger

Severe mood swings

Loss of interest in daily activities

Difficulty concentrating

Changes in appetite

A change in sleep patterns

When trying to determine if you are suffering from PMDD, the first step is to keep track of your symptoms for two or more menstrual cycles. PMDD symptoms generally occur seven days before the menstruation period begins, and end a few days after it's started.

Causes of PMDD

One of the leading causes of PMDD is hormonal fluctuations, a form of hormone imbalance. During menstruation, your levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone fluctuate. Having levels too high or low of any of these hormones can exacerbate the symptoms of PMDD.

PMDD may also be related to decreased levels of serotonin, which is a chemical that sends nerve impulses throughout the brain. These nerve impulses are responsible for our emotional responses to the world around us including our moods and overall demeanor.

A family history of depression or postpartum depression can put you at risk for developing PMDD.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Therapy

An effective way to counter hormonal fluctuations is with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT. Unlike conventional HRT, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that are chemically the same as the hormones produced in your body.

BHRT can be delivered with:

Pills / Tablets

Creams / Gels

Patches

Injected pellets

It's important to note that a provider typically won't utilize all of these hormone delivery methods. The best one for a given situation depends on the needs of the patient and the preference of provider.

Some of the other treatments for PMDD include:

Birth control

Lifestyle changes

Over-the-counter and prescription medications

Start Today

PMDD and depression are serious conditions that should never be ignored. BHRT can provide help and relief for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. For more information about PMDD and BHRT, please call (207) 536-9661 or contact Dr. Nicole Schertell online.